A GetYourGuide Original

Love where you're going, guaranteed

With a GetYourGuide Originals tour, you can enjoy complimentary rescheduling if you’re late or plans change, and a full refund if you’re not completely satisfied after taking your tour.

Unforgettable local guides

Led only by 5-star guides and local aficionados, you can expect intriguing insights, fun facts, and stories from the people who call your destination home.

Small groups

A maximum of 20 people on your tour, which means you'll enjoy a more interactive, personalized experience.

Top sights (and hidden ones, too)

On an Originals tour, you'll discover lesser-known treasures that other visitors often miss, bringing you a deeper understanding of your destination.

Priority access — more time to explore

Long line? We'll show you how to skip it. Packed out sights? Follow us to the secret quiet spots. On Originals tours, you can explore in ways that others can't.

About this tour

Duration 2.5 hours

Skip the line through a separate entrance

Printed or mobile voucher accepted

Instant confirmation

Live tour guide

English, Spanish, German, French, Italian

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before activity starts

Select participants, date and language:

EnglishSpanishGermanFrenchItalian

Loading...

The Original experience

Highlights

Access exclusive access through the Official Vatican Partner entrance

Access St. Peter’s Basilica

See the Sistine Chapel, Vatican, Raphael Rooms, the Papal collections, the famous Gallery of Maps and more

Hear in-depth stories behind the art from your expert guide

Exclusive group of maximum 20 people

Full description

Get more time in the Vatican’s awe-inspiring art with no-wait access to the museums and basilica.

With a group of 20 people or fewer, your expert guide will bring the art and history to life in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more.

Avoid the long public line and go straight to the front of the Vatican Museums. Learn about the history and people behind the art in the Pinecone Courtyard, the Hall of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of Candelabra. A headset ensures you can hear the guide clearly.

Next, visit and hear the story of the magnificent Sistine Chapel. See if you can spot Michelangelo’s self-portrait, which hints that he would rather be skinned alive than paint in the Sistine Chapel again. (After you learn what it took to create a fresco, you’ll understand why.)

Then, use another exclusive entrance to head straight into St. Peter’s Basilica. See the incredible altar and Michelangelo’s beautiful sculpture, “La Pietà.”

The tour ends in St. Peter’s Square. Admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion, spot the balcony where the Pope delivers his public addresses, and take photos of the imposing exterior of the basilica.

Prepare for the activity

Meeting point

• Address: Via Tunisi 4, Rome. Meet your guide at the bottom of the wide steps across the street from the Vatican Museums entrance. The steps are between Caffè Vaticano and Hotel Alimandi Vaticano, on the corner of Viale Vaticano and Via Tunisi. The closest metro stop is on line A (red line): Ottaviano - Musei Vaticani.
• Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts
• Look for a guide wearing GetYourGuide attire and holding a red GetYourGuide flag

• Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, as the Vatican has a strict dress code. You may be refused entry if not properly dressed.
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible
• St. Peter’s Basilica has an airport-style security check. No liquids, large bags, or sharp items are allowed.
• St. Peter’s Basilica and Square may be closed in the morning due to the Papal Audience
• Please note that the Vatican can get very crowded all year round. June, July and August are particularly busy as they are high-season months.
• Children will need a valid ID in order to prove their age at the time of the activity
- Infants: 5 years and under
- Children: 6 to 18 years